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Authorities identify burned body of woman in Santa Fe Springs

Authorities have identified the burned body of a woman found in a trash bin near the 5 Freeway in Santa Fe Springs.

Stephanie Almanzan, 21, of Whittier was discovered about 12:30 a.m. Oct. 6 after firefighters extinguished a blaze set inside a trash bin behind a furniture store in the 13100 block of Firestone Boulevard, Whittier police said.

Almanzan’s hands and feet were tied with cord and her body was badly charred, said Officer Jason Zuhlke at the time. Almanzan’s identity was confirmed Saturday through dental records.

Family members had suspected the body belonged to Almanzan. who had two tattoos that matched those on the victim. A public vigil is scheduled tonight at 7 p.m. near the site where her body was found, according to the Whittier Daily News.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Whittier Police Department at (562) 945-8250.